And the desire for players to hold on to their shirt is driving Latics on, says Jewell.
At Bristol City on Friday night, he had a full pool of players to select from, with Steve McMillan back on the bench after a three-match absence with a stiff neck.
Scott Green and Mike Flynn didn't even make the substitutes' list, highlighting the resources available.
Jewell said: "It is a nice headache for me to have a full fit squad, although it is never nice to tell people that they aren't playing.
"So far this season, the lads have reacted well if they have been left out and hopefully that will continue to be the case.
"Games such as the one at Bristol City should be the incentive for anyone who is in the side to stay there.
"Competition for places here is very strong and that is what we need to be successful."
Jewell has proved this season that he will reward players for hard work and good performances with a run in the team.
In the autumn, Neil Roberts came in for the suspended Andy Liddell and kept his place when Liddell became available.
The striker remained in the starting line-up until New Year's Day – a run of 20 games – when Liddell was brought back after recovering from a calf injury.
With no fresh injuries reported from the trip to Ashton Gate and a blank midweek ahead, it should be all hands on deck for Saturday's home game when Colchester United are the visitors.
Latics could go into that game with a 12-point cushion at the top, with Crewe replacing Cardiff as their nearest challengers over the weekend.
The Railwaymen won 2-1 away at Colchester to move into second place – former Leigh RMI striker Steve Jones hitting both goals – with Cardiff and Oldham seeing their games fall victim to the frost.
Oldham have moved quickly to rearrange their game with Brentford, meeting the Bees tomorrow night, so the gap could come down to nine points.
But it is still a daunting lead for the other challengers to claw back, and Bristol City winger Scott Murray believes Latics already have the championship sown up following Friday night's win.
Article from Wigan Evening Post.